Community Resources and Support

Criterion Stoneham Early Intervention: Do you have questions or concerns about your infant or toddler’s development? Has your pediatrician recommended that you request an evaluation? Any parent or guardian with concerns about their child’s development can request an evaluation for their birth to three year old by calling the Criterion Stoneham Early Intervention Program. An assessment will be scheduled to determine his/her strengths and needs and if your family is eligible for services. Please call 781-935-3855.

EMARC: EMARC’s mission is to support, serve, and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure they are valued, respected and have the opportunity to fully participate in their communities. We annually serve over 700 people from Burlington, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield and Woburn. For additional information, call Judy Santa Maria at 781-587-2314.

Melrose Family Room: The Melrose Family Room, located in the Green Street Baptist Church in Melrose, is a non-profit, cooperative organization providing a gathering place for member families with infants, toddlers and preschool children. The room is a wonderful place to play, talk, discuss parenting concerns, and in general, get to know families from Melrose and surrounding communities. The room is open to members for drop-in playtime Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. If you are interested in being put on the waitlist, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information visit www.melrosefamilyroom.org

Parents of Tots: Parents of Tots is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families with young children under six years old in Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn and surrounding towns. Their mission is to provide parents with the means to build a supportive social network for themselves and their children through play dates, field trips, mom's nights out, and more. Membership is $25 a year and includes a monthly e-newsletter from September through June, as well as a copy of "Summer Fun Guide" listing kid-friendly attractions and destinations in the area. Visit www.parentsoftots.org to join.

Parents Helping Parents: Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed, isolated or stressed? Parents Helping Parents offers weekly support groups where parents discuss family problems and figure out ways to make things better. Current groups meet in Medford, Malden, and Salem. For location and meeting times visit www.parentshelpingparents.org or call 1-800-632-8188. This number also functions as a 24-hour helpline for parents.

“MA 211” Information Center: A resource available to families both on-line and via phone is the “MA 211” information center. This service will assist you with finding information about resources available in your area. Go to http://www.mass211.org or dial “211” for assistance.

The Autism Support Center (ASC): ASC was created to support parents and professionals who need assistance finding information and support about Autism Spectrum Disorders. Located in Danvers at 6 Southside Road in Danvers, they can be reached at 1-978-777-9135, or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Northeast Arc: Dedicated to providing lifelong individualized supports to people with or at risk of developing disabilities, and their families, ensuring opportunities to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, socialize and play. We have a variety of programs: early intervention, recreation, personal assistance, advocacy, transition services, etc. Our main number is 978-762-4878 our website is www.ne-arc.org.

The Center for Early Relationship Support of Jewish Family & Children’s Service: The JCC provides a variety of support services to parents of children birth to five, including free weekly Moms groups (including Medford), free home visiting from volunteer mothers called “Visiting Moms”, postpartum depression support including a free weekly group on the North Shore, and parent consultations. CERS is currently also seeking new Visiting Mom volunteers to serve the northern suburbs, including Malden, Melrose and Wakefield. For more information visit www.jfcsboston.org/CERS and www.facebook.com/JFCS.CERS.

Hallmark Health works with Massachusetts General Hospital across multiple clinical areas to provide high-quality care for our patients locally including cardiac care. Hallmark Health is also affiliated with Tufts Medical Center for excellence in neonatology and Joslin Diabetes Center for diabetes care management.